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Breakthrough Means Mexicans Can Inject Against Deadly Parasite

MEXICO – Mexican livestock producers concerned about liver fluke now have a water soluble injectable drug at their disposal.

The new “alpha compound” of benzimidazole is more practical in its delivery, according to researchers at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr Rafael Castillo Bocanegra, head of research, said the product is similar to triclabendazole and works against the fasciola hepatica parasite.

Thirty years of trials have transformed the active substance into an “easily administered” injectable formulation, he explained.

Trials on 30 sheep have confirmed intramuscular injection as most suitable.

Dr Bocanegra concluded: "The generation of this knowledge will contribute to reducing fasciolosis. However, investment in research should be permanent, because this disease in cattle can be controlled to a great extent, but it is difficult to eradicate.”